Bangkok is a city of contrasts—where the familiar and the exotic blend seamlessly, much like the sweet, sour, spicy balance of pàt tai. As the popular “Thailish” phrase on local T-shirts puts it: Same same, but different. Here, gleaming malls stand beside ancient temples, monks scroll on smartphones, and tuk-tuks race past luxury cars. It’s a city that thrives on paradox, offering both tradition and reinvention in every corner—from street food stalls to rooftop bars.
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s most impressive and meaningful cultural landmarks. Home to the city’s largest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, this sprawling 8-hectare complex offers a fascinating blend of religion, education, art, and wellness.
The centerpiece is the 46-meter-long gold-plated Reclining Buddha, symbolizing the Buddha’s entry into nirvana. Nearby, visitors drop coins into 108 bronze bowls for good luck—just one of many quiet rituals taking place in this historic compound.
Originally built in the 16th century and extensively renovated under King Rama I and Rama III, Wat Pho became Thailand’s first public university. Over 1,400 stone inscriptions—now UNESCO-recognized—preserve knowledge of literature, history, and Thai medicine. The temple continues this legacy through its renowned massage school, where visitors can enjoy a traditional Thai massage or enroll in massage courses.
Highlights include:
Phra Ubosot, the ornate ordination hall with murals and the ashes of Rama I
Four Royal Chedi, tiled stupas honoring the first Chakri kings
Phra Mondop, a scripture library guarded by yaksha demons
Chinese granite statues and rock gardens, adding whimsy and symbolism throughout the grounds
Visitor Info
Open daily 8:30AM–6:30PM | Entry: 200 THB (includes water)
Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops); shoes must be removed in temple areas
Massage bookings: Wat Pho Massage School website
Courses: From 12,000 THB for a one-day class, available daily except Sundays
Tips & Nearby Eats
Visit early to beat crowds and heat. Don’t miss exploring the less-touristed corners of the temple.
For food, try local curries at Pa Aew or refined Vietnamese at Tonkin Annam.
Stay nearby at Chakrabongse Villas (luxury) or Arun Residence (stylish with rooftop river views).
The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang) has stood as the spiritual and political heart of Thailand since 1782. Though no longer the royal residence, it remains Bangkok’s most visited landmark and a sacred pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists. The 94.5-hectare complex houses over 100 buildings, blending two centuries of Thai royal architecture with influences from Europe and beyond.
Must-See Highlights
Chakri Mahaprasat Hall: A striking mix of Italian Renaissance and traditional Thai design, famously topped with Thai-style spires (mon·dòp) instead of a European dome—a symbolic assertion of Thai identity.
Dusit and Borombhiman Halls: Once used for royal audiences and residences; only viewable from the outside.
Amarindra Hall: Still used for coronation ceremonies.
Wat Phra Kaew: Part of the complex, this is home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious object.
Many of these structures reflect the reigns of early Chakri dynasty kings, especially Rama I and Rama V, who shaped the palace’s layout and symbolism. The inner court, once home to the king’s wives and guarded by female sentries, remains closed to the public.
A Place of History
The Grand Palace has hosted everything from royal coronations and funerals to a failed military coup in 1981. Most recently, it served as the site for King Rama IX’s elaborate funeral in 2017, and for King Rama X’s coronation in 2019.
Visitor Info & Practical Tips
Hours: Daily, 8:30AM–3:30PM
Tickets: 500 THB, includes Wat Phra Kaew & Queen Sirikit Museum. Buy onsite or online via the Royal Grand Palace website.
Guides: Available at the ticket booth; audio guide rental: 200 THB
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths and restrooms available
Entry: Through the third gate from the river pier
Important: Ignore unofficial “guides” outside who falsely claim the site is closed
Dress Code
Mandatory modest attire: Long pants or skirts and sleeved shirts. No tank tops, see-through clothing, or shorts.
Improperly dressed visitors will be provided a sarong, but expect delays.
Shoes are allowed, though you must remove them to enter sacred buildings.
Nearby Eats & Stays
Ming Lee: No-frills, delicious Thai food just outside the entrance
Navy Club: Casual riverside dining with seafood and scenic views
Err: Stylish cocktails and bold Thai bar snacks
Hotels nearby
Asadang: A vintage shophouse in Chinatown with antique charm
Feung Nakorn Balcony: Bright rooms around a peaceful garden
Arom D: Chic boutique hotel with café and rooftop deck in hip Tien Village
Rising majestically from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. Named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna, it gained significance in 1767 when King Taksin, fleeing the ruins of Ayuthaya, saw the temple at sunrise and took it as a sign to establish a new capital nearby.
Its most striking feature is the 82-meter-high central prang (Khmer-style spire), added in the 19th century under Rama II and Rama III, and decorated with thousands of shards of colorful Chinese porcelain, originally used as ship ballast. Visitors can climb the steep stairs of the tower for sweeping views of the river and city.
Inside the ordination hall, the principal Buddha image—designed by Rama II—sits above a reliquary containing the king’s ashes. Murals from Rama V’s reign vividly depict the Buddha’s spiritual awakening. The temple grounds include smaller sanctuaries, a scripture library, and open-air river pavilions.
History at a Glance:
Originally called Wat Makok, then Wat Chaeng under King Taksin
Temporarily housed the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew
Renamed Wat Arun and expanded by Rama II in the early 1800s
Restored most recently in 2017
Visitor Info:
Hours: Daily, 8AM–6PM
Entry: 50 THB
Getting there: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat or cross-river ferry from Tien Pier
Dress Code:
Wear long pants/skirts and sleeved tops. Sarongs available for rent (20B + 100B deposit). Shoes must be removed in some temple areas.
Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for golden light on the spire; best photos at sunset from across the river. The temple is illuminated around 7PM, making for magical nighttime shots.
Nearby Eats & Stays:
Tonkin Annam: Delicious Vietnamese cuisine across the river
The Rooftop & Amorosa: Scenic bars with perfect sunset views
Arun Residence: Cozy, stylish riverside hotel with rooftop dining
Sala Ratanakosin: Sleek modern hotel with direct Wat Arun views
Located within the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the spiritual heart of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy. Consecrated in 1782, the same year Bangkok became the capital, this lavish temple houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious image.
Emerald Buddha
Seated high on a golden pedestal in the temple’s central bòht, the Emerald Buddha is a modest 66cm-tall jade statue cloaked in seasonal royal robes. Despite its size, the statue is revered across Thailand. Legend traces its origins to 15th-century Chiang Rai, though its true history remains a mystery. The king still ceremonially changes its robes three times a year to mark the hot, rainy, and cool seasons.
Ramakian Murals
Encircling the temple grounds, a 2km cloister features 178 murals from the Ramakian, the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana. Characters like Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana come alive in epic scenes of battle, love, and loyalty. These richly painted panels are a peaceful escape from the temple’s busier courtyards.
Phra Mondop & More
The intricately adorned Phra Mondop, built by Rama I, stores sacred Buddhist texts (not open to the public). It’s flanked by the Phra Si Ratana chedi, a towering golden stupa, and the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, a Khmer-style hall—all symbols of Thai architectural grandeur.
Practical Information
Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon District
Hours: Daily, 8:30AM–3:30PM
Tickets: 500 THB (includes Grand Palace); free for Thais
Entry: Use the third gate from Tha Chang Pier
Scams: Ignore anyone claiming it’s closed—they may be touts
Tip: Bring water; the open courtyards get very hot
Dress Code
Visitors must dress modestly: no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or exposed midriffs. Sarongs are available for rent, but dressing appropriately in advance will save time.
Even if you’ve had your fill of temples, the Golden Mount (Phu Khao Thong) offers a refreshing change—both literally and figuratively. A peaceful hilltop chedi reached by spiraling steps through shaded gardens and memorials, it rewards visitors with panoramic views of old Bangkok.
Commissioned by King Rama III, the Golden Mount was built using earth from canal excavation. The soft ground caused structural issues, and it wasn’t until Rama V that the mount was stabilized and crowned with a gilded chedi housing a relic of the Buddha from India. Concrete walls were added during WWII to protect against erosion.
Before Bangkok’s skyline exploded with towers, this was the tallest point in the city—and it still offers one of the most photogenic perspectives.
Next door, Wat Saket contains vivid murals, including graphic depictions of Buddhist hell—hidden behind the main Buddha statue for the curious and brave.
Visitor Information
Location: Off Th Boriphat, near Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry: 50 THB for foreigners; free for Thai nationals
Dress Code: No strict rules, but modest clothing is encouraged out of respect—long trousers/skirts and sleeved tops are ideal
Note: Speakers along the stairway play Buddhist sermons, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere
Special Tip
In November, the mount hosts a popular temple fair with a candlelight procession that winds up the hill—one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric festivals.
Named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, Lumphini Park is Bangkok’s largest and most beloved public park, offering 58 hectares of lakes, lawns, and leafy paths in the heart of the city. Originally a royal reserve, it was opened to the public in 1925 by King Rama VI, whose statue now welcomes visitors at the southwest gate.
With its peaceful lake, paddleboats, and Chinese-style clock tower (built for the 1925 trade fair by architect Mario Tamagno), the park offers a rare outdoor escape from the city’s chaos. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to visit, when locals gather for t’ai chi, aerobics, and leisurely jogs.
Children enjoy the playgrounds, fitness buffs flock to the open-air gym, and curious visitors may spot the park’s famously large monitor lizards lurking near the water.
Visitor Info
Location: Bounded by Th Sarasin, Rama IV, Th Witthayu (Wireless Rd), and Th Ratchadamri
Hours: Daily, 4:30 AM – 9 PM
Entry: Free
Amenities: Paddleboats, street food outside the northwest entrance (from 5 PM), cold drinks at gates
Note: The park’s borders attract a different kind of crowd late at night—best to visit during daylight or early evening
Wat Suthat may not draw the crowds like its neighboring temples, but it stands among Thailand’s most significant. Not only is it architecturally grand, but it also holds the highest royal temple rank: Rachavoramahavihan. It plays a key role in national religious life, especially through its connection to Brahman priests who perform royal ceremonies such as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony.
Inside the vast wí·hăhn (sanctuary), visitors will find:
Phra Si Sakayamuni: an 8-meter-high bronze Buddha statue, the largest surviving Sukhothai-era bronze in Thailand, dating to the 14th century. It also enshrines the ashes of King Rama VIII.
Intricate Jataka murals: storytelling artworks that trace the past lives of the Buddha.
Behind it lies Thailand’s largest ordination hall (bòht), completing the temple’s list of national superlatives.
Nearby connections: Brahman priests from Wat Suthat also conduct Hindu rituals at Devasathan and the Vishnu Shrine, just a short walk away.
Featured on the back of Thailand’s 5-baht coin, Wat Benchamabophit—also known as the Marble Temple—is a striking symbol of Thai architectural grace. Built in the late 19th century under King Rama V, the temple’s ordination hall (bòht) is crafted from imported Italian white marble, giving it a unique, luminous quality.
The central Buddha image is a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat from Phitsanulok, and beneath it lie the ashes of Rama V himself. Surrounding the main chapel is a peaceful courtyard lined with 52 Buddha statues, each reflecting a different mudra (gesture) and style from various Thai eras—perfect for anyone interested in Buddhist art and symbolism.
Wat Ben remains a living temple: locals still gather to pray, light incense, and offer merit, especially along the shaded balconies, where visitors are welcome to respectfully observe.
